Alga Spirulina Research Articles

Evaluation of the ameliorative potency of spirulina platensis against cerebellar damage induced by methotrexate in male rats: histopathological, ultrastructural, molecular, and biochemical studies

BackgroundMethotrexate (MTX), a drug utilized in cancer and rheumatoid arthritis treatment, is associated with acute and chronic neurodegenerative alterations. Spirulina platensis (SP) has several important phytochemical substances that act as free radical scavengers or natural antioxidants. The current study investigated the possible effects of the blue-green alga Spirulina platensis on cerebellar damage in male rats exposed to methotrexate. Forty (40) adult male albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 10) and treated for one week: GI, the control group; GII was orally given 1000 mg SP/kg/daily, GIII was given a single intraperitoneal injection of MTX 75 mg/kg at the first day, and continued under the normal condition without other treatment till the end of the experiment, and GIV received both SP and MTX together with the same previous doses and duration. Neurobehavioral, histopathological, histochemical, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, molecular, and biochemical data were recorded.ResultsMTX caused severe cerebellar degeneration in 3 cortical layers, especially the Purkinje layer. The Purkinje layer displayed a disrupted monolayer arrangement with pyknotic nuclei, a significant decrease in cell number, and shrunken cells surrounded by empty spaces. The molecular and granular layers are degenerated with elevated immunoreactions and gene expression of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1), and neurofilament light chain antibody (NFL). Moreover, MTX significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) while decreasing the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), serotonin, superoxide dismutase (SOD), acetylcholinesterase (ACHE), norepinephrine, and dopamine. These insults were noticeably mitigated by concomitant treatment with spirulina.ConclusionSpirulina improves neurological function by modulating the cerebellar damage elicited by MTX. This improvement may be attributed to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of spirulina.

Unlocking the potential of Spirulina microalgae: Cultivating in wastewater treatment for sustainable biofuel production

Municipal wastewater, known for its high nitrogen and phosphorus levels, disrupts natural biogeochemical cycles. However, these nutrients are vital for cultivating green algae, which show potential as a sustainable energy source. In this study, Spirulina microalgae biomass was cultivated from diluted municipal wastewater and converted into biofuel to assess its compatibility with conventional diesel applications. Algae growth rate, nutrient removal from wastewater, and proximate and ultimate analyses of the biomass were conducted. Elemental, functional group, and chemical analyses of the biodiesel were also performed using an elemental analyzer, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), respectively. Results showed effective removal of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and nitrogen nutrients by 44.7%, 71.7%, 50%, and 55.6%, respectively, through algae cultivation. Proximate and ultimate analyses confirmed the biomass's energy content and efficiency for energy production. Elemental analysis of biodiesel revealed significant contributions of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, while FTIR and GC-MS analyses identified carbon-based components and methyl esters as major constituents, respectively. Physicochemical properties of algae biodiesel met ASTM D6751 limits. This comprehensive assessment suggests that Spirulina algae from wastewater treatment holds promise as a viable energy source for diesel applications.

Effect of Egg Injection with Different Levels of Organic Selenium and Spirulina Algae Extract in the Blood Biochemistry of Broiler Chickens

Effect of Egg Injection with Different Levels of Organic Selenium and Spirulina Algae Extract in the Blood Biochemistry of Broiler Chickens

The Effect of Salinity Stress on the Antibacterial Activity of SpirulinaPlatensis Algae

Background: The production of secondary metabolites in different strains of microalgae varies and is likely dependent on environmental conditions. Consequently, the production of bioactive substances as secondary metabolites occurs in microalgae to aid their survival in adverse environmental conditions such as salinity stress. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the antibacterial activity of the methanolic extract of S. platensis algae cultivated under different salinity stresses against Yersinia rukeri, Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., and Vibrio cholerae. Methods: The broth microdilution method was used to evaluate the growth inhibitory activity of the extracts against Yersinia ruckeri, Salmonella sp., Escherichia coli, and Vibrio cholerae bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by this method, and the diameter of the inhibition zone was assessed through the well diffusion method. Results: In the treatment with algae extract grown under 3.5 ppt salinity stress, the concentrations of 50 and 25 mg/mL extract showed the largest inhibition zone diameter against Salmonella sp. compared to other bacteria. Under 7 ppt salinity stress, all studied concentrations of algal extract exhibited a higher inhibition zone diameter against V. cholerae compared to other bacteria. The results of comparing different concentrations of algae extract between the two salinity stresses of 3.5 and 7 ppt for each bacterium showed a significant difference (P < 0.05). As salinity increased, the diameter of the inhibition zone also increased for all bacteria. Conclusions: Our results showed an increase in the antibacterial activity of the methanolic extract of Spirulina platensis with higher salinity stress levels. Therefore, cultivating Spirulina algae in salt water can be a cost-effective and suitable method to produce more secondary metabolites for use in the pharmaceutical industry.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Spirulina Algae and N-Acetylcysteine in COVID-19 Hospitalized Patients: A Randomized Phase II Clinical Trial

Background: Spirulina algae are widely used in food, cosmetic, and dietary applications, and laboratory and clinical studies have reported their antiviral and immune-enhancing properties. Aim: We aimed to evaluate the prescription of spirulina, a safe food supplement with antiviral properties, and N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of hospitalized patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Materials and Methods: This study was conducted as a multicenter, randomized, single-masked, open-label phase II clinical trial on 66 patients with COVID-19. Patients were randomly assigned to two intervention groups and one control group. The intervention groups were defined as follows: one group received spirulina algae (23 people), and the other group received N-acetylcysteine plus spirulina algae (21 people). In the control group (22 people), the patients only received the national standard treatment for COVID-19. The intervention groups were prescribed 80 mg/kg of spirulina green algae daily. Results: The duration of hospitalization (P = 0.874), Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission (P = 0.320), and mortality (P = 0.320) of patients between the three groups did not show any significant difference. Side effects, including headache (P = 0.022) and nausea (P = 0.039), were significantly less common in the control group. No statistically significant difference was observed regarding the frequency of symptoms after discharge in the three-month follow-up (P = 0.420). Conclusion: Our study showed that administering spirulina with or without N-acetylcysteine did not affect the length of hospitalization, ICU admission, mortality, and the frequency of symptoms or long COVID.

Characterization of C-phycocyanin antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, and anti-HCoV-229E activities and encapsulation for implementation in an innovative functional yogurt

Functional bioactive ingredients isolated from microalgae as sustainable sources have become a new subject of pharmacology and functional foods. Thus, the work aims to produce crude phycocyanin (C-PC), define it, and investigate its pharmacological effects before warping it in a nanophytosome. Subsequently, the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles were evaluated. Both free and nanophytosomes of C-PC were incorporated into cow milk fermented with the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus KU985435 to make functional yoghurt and the stability of C-PC of both phytosomes was assessed. The amino acid content of C-PC revealed the presence of eight of nine essential amino acids and eight of eleven non-essential amino acids. C-PC has a medium molecular weight (82.992 kDa). Some pharmacological effects like reducing inflammation (98.76 % ± 0.065), fighting free radicals (99.12 % ± 0.027), and being able to inhibit the human coronavirus 229 E with a selective index of 27.9 were observed. The maximum viral inhibitory activity was detected during the adsorption stage. Anti-human liver and colon carcinomas that exceeded Doxorubicin with very low cytotoxicity against normal cell lines were detected. C-PC is an unstable protein that could be degraded in the yoghurt during storage. Therefore, phytosome encapsulation can effectively stabilize C-PC (particle size 44.50 ± 12 nm and zeta-potential −32.4 ± 5 mV) and protect it from the acidic environment of the yoghurt. The produced yoghurt showed the desired physicochemical and functional properties and overall acceptance. The results prove that C-PC from spirulina algae is a renewable source of dyes. The encapsulation process using phytosomes gave it high stability against environmental influences, and therefore, it can be applied in the food and pharmaceutical industries in the future.

Therapeutic Role of Vitamin D3, K2, Garlic Extract, Calcium and Spirulina Algae Powder on Induced Hyperlipidemia in Rats

Therapeutic Role of Vitamin D3, K2, Garlic Extract, Calcium and Spirulina Algae Powder on Induced Hyperlipidemia in Rats

Growth Improvement of Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Irrigated with Saline Water Using Biochar and Spirulina Algae Extract

Growth Improvement of Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Irrigated with Saline Water Using Biochar and Spirulina Algae Extract

Spirulina platensis: A comprehensive review of its nutritional value, antioxidant activity and functional food potential

BACKGROUND: Spirulina platensis is a well-known photosynthetic prokaryotic alga that has gained recognition in various industries, including food, health, aquaculture and pharmaceuticals. The United Nations acknowledged spirulina as a nutritious food source because of its rich pigments and high protein content. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to provide an overview of how Spirulina is utilized as both a dietary supplement as well as functional food ingredient in the food industry. METHOD: Spirulina powder can be added to various foods such as bread, cakes and cookies to increase the nutritional value. It is particularly valuable as a dietary supplement in efforts to combat malnutrition in impoverished regions. RESULT: Spirulina platensis is also a source of essential components used in the therapeutic microalgae supplement market. These components include alpha-carotene, astaxanthin, polyunsaturated fatty acids (such as DHA and EPA) and polysaccharides like beta-glucan. CONCLUSION: It is evident that the consumption of spirulina algae can offer both financial benefits and health advantages. Even though there is a large amount of research on the nutritional, environmental and social benefits of spirulina, some natural areas still produce insufficient amounts of the algae. As a result, more and more scientists and researchers throughout the world are pushing for the growth of spirulina farming.

Evaluation of sustainable composites of sugarcane bagasse and combined algae-soy protein binders

The development of sustainably-sourced adhesives is essential to displace conventional particleboard adhesives made from formaldehyde and other petroleum derivatives. This work evaluates the mechanical properties of particleboards prepared from sugarcane bagasse, spirulina algae powder, soy flour, and sodium hydroxide at various algae to soy ratios and denaturation times. The rheology of the adhesive was characterized using the Hershel-Bulkley method to determine the yield stress (max. 288 Pa) and flow behavior index (0.21–0.54). The lap shear strength (max. 3.02 N/mm2) was also determined. For the particleboard, the secant modulus of elasticity (max. 1.12 GPa), tangent modulus of elasticity (max. 1.30 GPa), modulus of rupture (max. 11.62 N/mm2), and internal bond strength (max. 0.09 N/mm2) were determined. These particleboards met the minimum requirement set by ANSI/A208.1–1999 for general-use particleboards for the modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture, but they did not meet the standard for internal bond strength.

Sulfonated magnetic spirulina nanobiomaterial as a novel and environmentally friendly catalyst for the synthesis of dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones in aqueous medium

Spirulina algae is an excellent candidate for catalyst preparation due to its reactive functional groups, cost-effectiveness, widespread commercial accessibility, and biodegradability. In this study, magnetized Spirulina was used for the synthesis of dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones (DHQZs) as catalyst. Magnetized Spirulina was produced by CoFe2O4 and sulfonation method using chlorosulfonic acid to create the catalyst [CoFe2O4-Sp-SO3H]. It was affirmed by various techniques, including Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and elemental mapping techniques. DHQZs synthesis was accomplished through a concise one-pot, three-component reaction involving a range of diverse aldehydes, isatoic anhydride, and primary aromatic amine, within an aqueous medium. The method offers several advantages, including using green conditions, the generation of several new 2-furan-quinazolinone derivatives, chromatography-free purification, short reaction times, appropriate yield of product (75–96%), and catalyst recyclability. The proposed catalyst and water as solvent demonstrated a strong synergistic effect, leading to the prosperous synthesis of various novel dihydroquinazolinones at 60 °C. These numerous benefits make our approach highly attractive for academic research and industrial applications.

The Impact of Adding Spirulina Algae to Drinking Water on the Productivity, Egg Quality, Yolk Lipid Oxidation, and Blood Biochemistry of Laying Hens

The Impact of Adding Spirulina Algae to Drinking Water on the Productivity, Egg Quality, Yolk Lipid Oxidation, and Blood Biochemistry of Laying Hens

Fortification of Fermented Milk Drink with Spirulina algae in relation to its health benefits""

Fortification of Fermented Milk Drink with Spirulina algae in relation to its health benefits""

Biodiesel production from spirulina algae oil over cobalt microsphere through esterification reaction

This study displays the production and conformance of cobalt microsphere as a catalyst in the esterification reaction for biodiesel production from spirulina algae oil. The porous microsphere was successfully synthesized via a simple solvothermal method and evaluated using EDX, XRD, FE-SEM, TGA, CO2-TPD, and BET. The resulting microsphere cobalt has a surface area of 150.83 m2/g and a total pore volume of 35.33 cm3/g. The optimal reaction conditions for the esterification of spirulina algae oil over the cobalt microsphere were: 60 °C, a molar ratio of 7:1 for methanol: spirulina algae oil, and 240 min to achieve 95 % yield of corresponding product. Also, biodiesel samples comply with the ASTM standards. The chemical composition of spirulina oil was analyzed by GC-Mass analysis. The cobalt microsphere offers various benefits such as stability (chemical/physical), simple catalyst separation, and the production of high-quality biodiesel.

Spirulina as a promising agent in rheumatoid arthritis with no observed hepatic injury

Aim of the workTo examine early mitigation and conservative effects of low-dose gamma radiation (LDR) or spirulina (SPR) algae on inflammation, oxidative stress and liver function in experimentally-induced arthritis in rats, and comparing such effects to conventionally used rheumatoid arthritis (RA) drugs; methotrexate (MTX) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in an attempt to unleash a safer remedy/therapeutic modality for RA management. Materials and methodsMale Wister albino rats were rendered arthritic by sub-plantar injection of 0.1 ml Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA). Adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats were treated with each of LDR (0.5 Gy at day 0 of arthritis induction), MTX (1 mg/kg/week, intra-peritoneal), HCQ sulphate (15 mg/kg/day, orally), MTX + HCQ, and SPR (1 g/kg/day, orally) for 28 days. ResultsSub-plantar injection of FCA led to marked increase in paw volume accompanied with increased serum level of C-reactive protein (CRP) and oxidative stress markers including malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels. Exposure to LDR did not induce any significant alteration in the estimated parameters. Treatment with MTX and HCQ alone or combined induced deterioration in liver function (transaminases), insignificantly reduced paw edema, yet failed to attenuate CRP, MDA and NO levels. Instead, treatment with SPR significantly guarded against changes in nearly all measured parameters and kept liver function at normal level. ConclusionThis is a leading work showing the hepato-preservative impact of spirulina as a promising alternative therapy during the course management of RA. It could thus be considered as a potential option in the management armamentarium of RA.

Potential protective role of spirulina algae and/or aminoguanidine on carbon tetrachloride induced liver fibrosis in rats

Potential protective role of spirulina algae and/or aminoguanidine on carbon tetrachloride induced liver fibrosis in rats

Potential protective role of spirulina algae and/or aminoguanidine on carbon tetrachloride induced liver fibrosis in rats.

Potential protective role of spirulina algae and/or aminoguanidine on carbon tetrachloride induced liver fibrosis in rats.

Production and Evaluation of Gluten-Free Pasta and Pan Bread from Spirulina Algae Powder and Quinoa Flour

This study was carried out to evaluate semolina flour (SF), wheat flour (WF), quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) flour (QF), spirulina algae powder (SAP) and their blends for production of gluten-free pasta and bread suitable for celiac patients. Pasta made of 100% semolina and pan bread made of 100% WF were prepared for comparison with pasta and pan bread from QF and blends with SAP at different levels (5, 10 and 15%). The chemical composition, rheological properties, color attributes, cooking quality, baking quality, sensory properties and texture analysis of the pasta and pan bread were investigated. SAP was added to QF at 5, 10 and 15% levels. The results show that SAP is marked by higher protein (63.65%), fat (6.18%), and ash (12.50%) contents. Thus, raising the mixing level of SAP with QF resulted in an increase in the nutritional value of pasta and pan bread. Moreover, these high-protein products improved basal metabolic rate, preserved body muscle mass, and decreased body fat percentage. Farinograph characteristics demonstrated that water absorption, arrival time, dough development time, and stability grew as the ratio of SAP in QF increased. The addition of SAP to QF in increasing proportions from 5% to 15% decreased the elasticity and proportional number, while the extensibility and energy of the dough increased. Also, addition of SAP to QF at different levels (5 to 15%) decreased all viscoamylograph parameters except for the temperature of transition, which increased. In regard to cooking quality, all the pasta samples prepared by mixing SAP with QF had higher weight, volume, and cooking loss than the control. Additionally, while all samples of pasta and pan bread passed the sensory test, those that contained SAP had greater sensory qualities and nutritional value. These products are suitable for athletes and for patients with celiac disease and obesity.

Exploring the Therapeutic Properties of Alga-Based Silver Nanoparticles: Anticancer, Antibacterial, and Free Radical Scavenging Capabilities.

The current study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant, anticancer and antimicrobial activities of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) biosynthesized by Spirulina platensis extract. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The antioxidant activity of the biosynthesized AgNPs were determined via DPPH radical scavenging assay while its anticancer activity was determined using the MTT assay. The antimicrobial activity of the biosynthesized AgNPs were analyzed by disc diffusion method. Spirulina platensis acts as a reducing and capping agent. The efficacy of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in inhibiting the growth of Gram-negative bacteria, specifically Acetobacter, Klebsiella, Proteus vulgaris, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, was assessed by the utilisation of the diffusion method. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against many strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. The findings of the study revealed that when administered in doses of 50 μl, 75 μl, and 100 μl, the largest observed zone of inhibition corresponded to measurements of 10.5 mm, 14 mm, and 16 mm, respectively. A zone of inhibition with dimensions of 8 mm, 10.5 mm, and 12 mm was detected during testing against Acetobacter at concentrations of 50 μl, 75 μl, and 100 μl, respectively. The findings also indicate that there is a positive correlation between the concentration of AgNP and the DPPH scavenging ability of silver nanoparticles. The percentage of inhibition observed at concentrations of 500 μg/ml, 400 μg/ml, 300 μg/ml, 200 μg/ml, and 100 μg/ml were recorded as 80±1.98, 61±1.98, 52±1.5, 42±1.99, and 36±1.97, respectively. In addition, it was observed that the silver nanoparticles exhibited the greatest antioxidant activity at a concentration of 500 g/ml, with a measured value of 80.89±1.99. The IC-50 values, representing the inhibitory concentration required to achieve 50 % inhibition, were found to be 8.16, 19.15, 30.14, 41.13, and 63.11 at inhibition levels of 36±1.97, 42±1.99, 52±1.5, 61±1.98, and 80±1.98, respectively.

Investigation of proteinaceous algal biomass as a drilling fluid component

This study represents the first investigation into the potential of Spirulina algae proteins as drilling fluid constituents to address the problems of the environmental impacts of the petroleum industry. Algae protein is a common waste product from many bioprocessing operations including biofuel production, so this work also presents a solution to a waste utilization problem for bioprocessing industries. As such, this technology could create an important coproduct for bioprocessing industries while providing more sustainable and environmentally-benign drilling fluids for the petroleum industry. Algae biomass was hypothesized to serve as a bentonite replacement or as an additive that could improve drilling fluid performance by reducing fluid loss via permeation, and/or improvement of lubricity via reduction in coefficient of friction. Measurements were taken in accordance with API RP 13B-1 using an OFITE viscometer, OFITE 4-Unit HTHP Filter Press, and OFITE extreme pressure and lubricity tester. The rheological tests include viscosity, yield stress, and gel strength. Key findings include a friction reduction of up to 27% and a standard fluid loss as low as 13.5 mL. The biomass was able to increase the viscosity of the drilling fluids and exhibited a shear-thinning rheology with yield points exceeding 40 lbf/ft2. The rheology was fitted to the Bingham plastic model and the Herschel-Bulkley model. These findings have potential impacts in the fields of petroleum, chemical, environmental, and material engineering. It is concluded that Spirulina biomass is a good potential additive for decreasing fluid loss and improving the lubricity of drilling fluids, but it will not suffice as a bentonite replacement.